Vices

A vice is a mechanical device used to secure an object so that work can be performed on it. Vices have two parallel jaws, usually one fixed and the other movable.

They are divided into the following categories:

The bench vice is the most common and simple category of vice. They are usually mounted on workbenches and their main function is to hold the workpiece securely.

Drill vices are designed to hold workpieces firmly between their jaws so that they do not move at all when the drill bit penetrates them. They are designed to withstand vertical forces.

Milling machine vices are designed mainly for machining on machine tools due to their robust construction. Milling applies large lateral forces to a workpiece as the cutter moves along the material, unlike drilling, where the drill bit moves only vertically into it. The jaws of a machine vice are made of hardened steel that can withstand the cutting force, and its body is made of high-strength cast iron that provides greater strength and, above all, rigidity during the machining process.

Precision vices are ground for holding sensitive components and provide the ability to precisely adjust the clamping pressure. This precise clamping pressure is ideal for small components or if you need to orient the workpiece to be machined in a specific way. Because they have high dimensional accuracy, parallelism, and squareness, they can be used in pairs or even more.

They are also usually used in combination with sine tables for accurate machining at an angle.

A CNC vice is also ground. Unlike a typical vice, it does not have traditional flanges used to bolt it to the table. Each side is perpendicular to the next. This allows the vice to be positioned on its side, on its end, or on its bottom. Another feature is the removable jaws that can be replaced.

EDM vices are used to hold workpieces during electrical discharge machining.